Chapter 24.1 ?

“What should I write?”

Bi Sa-beol sat in front of the monitor, pondering for a long time.

“… Let’s make it fun.”

He soon moved his hands.

***

“Gio.”

As usual, Yoo Sung-woon called out to Gio inside the portrait.

“Are you awake?”

“Yes, I am awake.”

“Then I have a proposal I’d like to make.”

Even while maintaining a composed demeanour, Yoo Sung-woon observed the other party closely. He was about to make an offer to a being of origin. He had to understand the weight of it.

‘And I know it all too well.’

Originally, beings that lived within the origin didn’t communicate well with humans. Something as simple as sneezing from afar could be perceived as a terrible insult, and laughing during a conversation might bring them sadness.

Beings of origin had their own set of rules. Their rules, from a human’s perspective, were extremely irrational and unpredictable, so one must never treat them from a human’s perspective.

“By any chance, do you not want to come outside? I’m saying this on the premise that if you want to….”

Continuously observing and analysing was the only means to survive.

“You seem to be unaware much of the outside world. Like the incident with the seeds last time.”

“You’re right, Mr. Yoo Sung-woon. I don’t know much.”

“That’s why I was asking if you’d like to take a tour. I’ll cover all the necessary items and expenses, and of course, I’ll be there to guide you.”

“You will guide me?”

“Yes, all you need to do is come with your body.”

Although it was carried out with Bi Sa-beol’s permission, smuggling an entity of origin whose nature was still unclear outside was a bold gamble even for Yoo Sung-woon who was known for his audacity.

‘…Still, there’s no need to worry too much. Worst comes to worst, I’ll just say he’s a new hunter from outside the city.’

As long as Gio maintained his gentlemanly attitude, there wouldn’t be a significant problem.

Of course, not knowing Gio’s true nature meant that he might interact with something in reality regardless of his intentions. But that didn’t matter. If something was bound to happen anyway, it was better to know in advance.

‘Even if there’s a little damage.’

As Yoo Sung-woon waited for a response, the gloomy, noble-looking portrait soon opened its mouth.

“A tour, huh.”

Although he thought he had gotten used to it, a shiver still ran down his spine. The portrait’s tone remained disturbingly blunt.

“Very well.”

“… Really?”

“When would be a good time?”

The answer came quicker than expected.

‘I thought he might attack me, saying I was trying to pull him outside.’

Gio was a portrait. From his perspective, trying to bring a painting into reality might be considered an insult.

But thankfully, it seemed Gio didn’t care about such things.

‘Maybe because he’s come out a few times before on his own …. In that case, it was a good thing that I had taken measures beforehand so that Gio could move freely.’

Pausing his thoughts, Yoo Sung-woon replied.

“Let’s make it Tuesday morning, two days from now.”

“Will you be able to call me then? The flow of time here and outside seems to flow a little differently, so I’ll need your help.”

“That’s no problem. I’ll call you in two days, so you can take your time and get ready then…”

After thinking for a moment, Yoo Sung-woon took out a small timer.

“I’ll leave this on the floor here, so you can check it like this. I’ll set it to ring three times at 8 AM in two days. It’ll be easier for you to keep track of time this way, right?”

“Thank you.”

“No need to thank me.”

Yoo Sung-woon inwardly sighed in relief.

‘…He readily accepted the offer. As expected, Gio is more communicative than other beings from the origin. Of course, since he’s not human, there are moments of misunderstandings …. but it’s safe for the most part.’

The portrait seemed to think the conversation was over and closed its eyes.

“…….”

Yoo Sung-woon also didn’t hold on to Gio any longer.

After all, they’d be spending all day together in two days, so there was no point in exhausting each other now. Moreover, Yoo Sung-woon had a lot to prepare for the tour with Gio.

‘I should probably book one of those hotels exclusively for tamers. I don’t intend to treat Gio as some sort of contracted beast, but those kinds of hotels are well-prepared for any emergencies.’

Given the risks, careful preparation without making Gio feel uncomfortable was necessary.

“…But then again, when was it ever not like this.”

Bi Sa-beol’s stance was firm.

He wanted to observe how ‘Gio’s Portrait’ interacted among humans. Even if there were some casualties, as long as it wasn’t a massacre of more than fifty people, he would cover it up.

‘It’s a wise decision.’

Gio could come out of the portrait at any time he wanted, with no restrictions or conditions. If something was going to happen anyway, it would be better for Yoo Sung-woon, the curator and gardener, to observe by his side.

“…….”

But this world, where human life was treated like an insects, never ceased to feel tiresome.

‘…Even if these aren’t people from outside the city, but those from within, guild leader Bi Sa-beol said he could handle it. As long as the casualties are less than fifty people, it’s fine, and even if it happens, it would be okay as long as it doesn’t reach the media.’

Of course, it would be much better if they finished the tour without anyone dying.

“I’ll just have to trust in Gio’s gentlemanly demeanour in this part.”

Yoo Sung-woon mumbled softly as he left the guild. Even though Gio reacted quite similarly to humans, he couldn’t be at ease.

Even humans could act normal one moment and then throw a tantrum at lunch the next day. There was no guarantee that beings from the origin wouldn’t have such duality.

‘I’ll definitely look into one of those hotels… and maybe set the tour route to places where it could be handled in case of an emergency. Gyeongbokgung Palace is nearby, so there should be plenty of sights to see.’

Since he had chosen to use the name ‘Seo Gio,’ showing him something Korean might not be a bad idea.

‘I think the Gyeongbokgung Palace’s night market opens after 6 PM. Since it’s a tourist attraction in the Jongno area, there will be many hunters wandering around. If anything happens, it’ll be easy to ask for help under the guild leader Bi Sa-beol’s name.’

Was it due to the constant overtime work or the growing worry? His head felt a bit foggy.

‘I’ll have to think about how to introduce Gio by then…’

However, if an accident did happen, seems like it would be better to voluntarily report it to the association. Since the association president was aiming for it, they probably weren’t entirely unaware of ‘Gio’s Portrait’ either.

“…Phew…”

Yoo Sung-woon sighed deeply as he stepped outside.

“This is a headache.”

No breath escaped his lips.

“…….”

Yoo Seong-woon muttered to himself, somewhat pointlessly.

“… Man, this is why working for a big company is the best.”

Scratching the back of his head, he resumed walking. Though the overtime was inevitable, he still had enough stamina.

‘I’d better get things ready soon.’

He hoped everything would go smoothly.

t/n: I just want to say thank you to the user who bought the chapters before. I can’t see who you are as I don’t have the access, but I really really appreciate it a lot.